gpurp
Member
I just got the Lee 4-die set for the 45 Colt and had my first go at handloading this fine old caliber. Ingredients included new Starline brass, Hornady 250gr XTPs, Unique, and CCI 300 primers. I made two batches of starting loads. One with 7.5gr Unique and the other with 7.8gr Unique. OAL was 1.57 - 1.58 with a medium crimp. I tried them out this morning and here's what my Chrony told me.
Marlin 1894 24" CB: 7.5gr Unique = 926fps; 7.8gr Unique = 968fps
Rossi 1892 16" carbine: 7.5gr Unique = 970fps; 7.8gr Unique = 1029fps
Ruger 7-1/2" new Vaquero: 7.5gr Unique = 811fps; 7.8gr Unique = 825fps
Unique was the only powder on my shelf suitable for 45LC so I used what I had. I'm planning on trying 2400 next time for the rifles. I was kind of surprised to see higher velocities in the 16" barrel vs. the 24" barrel. I'm also wondering at what point 45lc jacketed bullets obturate and create a good seal. Any rules of thumb about that?
Marlin 1894 24" CB: 7.5gr Unique = 926fps; 7.8gr Unique = 968fps
Rossi 1892 16" carbine: 7.5gr Unique = 970fps; 7.8gr Unique = 1029fps
Ruger 7-1/2" new Vaquero: 7.5gr Unique = 811fps; 7.8gr Unique = 825fps
Unique was the only powder on my shelf suitable for 45LC so I used what I had. I'm planning on trying 2400 next time for the rifles. I was kind of surprised to see higher velocities in the 16" barrel vs. the 24" barrel. I'm also wondering at what point 45lc jacketed bullets obturate and create a good seal. Any rules of thumb about that?